Media

Obama Campaign Backs Off ‘Felony’ Charge

Usually, when a politician attacks a rival, he or she wants the rival to be the one sweating. Unfortunately for President Obama, this is thoroughly unlike the reaction he has received regarding his campaign’s thoroughly unbelievable argument that Mitt Romney is a felon. And, in fact, evidence is beginning to mount that his surrogates, supporters and staff are worried that the attack has gone too far and needs to be walked back.

First, there is the matter of President Obama’s supporters inching away. In this regard, we must look no further than two employeers at Bain Capital (who also happen to be Obama supporters) who told CNN’s John King that the question of when Romney left Bain Capital is a settled matter, and not settled in a way that makes the Obama campaign look good. According to them, Romney really did leave in 1999:

So needless to say, the facts are unequivocally wrong, and even Obama’s supporters at Bain say so. You would expect the campaign and surrogates to retract the statement.

And indeed, one has made noises about doing that. Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell was good enough to go on MSNBC’s Alex Wagner show today to discuss the attacks, and said (with some hesitance) that he thought the attacks on Romney went “a little too far” for comfort:

So that’s a surrogate and two supporters. Will the campaign follow?

First impressions earlier today said “no.” This afternoon, Obama Press Secretary Ben LaBolt was still hammering the idea that the felony charge is fair, to the point that you’d almost think the poor man was defending his own job. From Beltway Confidential:

Obama campaign press secretary Ben LaBolt today, insisted that questions about whether or not Romney is a felon were “absolutely fair” and demanded that he release his tax returns.

“I think the question is fair, did he misrepresent himself to the SEC when he signed documents saying he was chairman of the board, president and CEO, sole owner, and sole shareholder during that period or did he misrepresent himself to the American people when he said he left Bain during that period?” LaBolt said. “I think that’s absolutely a fair question to raise and he can clear it up by releasing the normal amount of tax returns for a nominee of a major party.”

Now, perceptive readers will note the last sentence regarding release of Romney’s tax returns. And indeed, this was probably the only item still motivating the Obama campaign to keep pushing this attack. Tax returns from Romney could show any number of perfectly legal items that the Obama campaign could still use to attack him for being rich.

But fortunately for Obama, cooler heads appear to have prevailed. Obama spokeswoman Jen Psaki, speaking at a press gaggle this afternoon, officially walked back the attack, according to this report from the Daily Kos (emphasis added):

QUESTION: Jen, did Stephanie Cutter go too far by suggesting that Mitt Romney is a — might be a felon in the press call yesterday about the SEC filings, and the date of his employment at Bain?

MS. PSAKI (Obama campaign spokeswoman): Well, Amy, there have been many reports suggesting — we don’t know the answers because Mitt Romney hasn’t released not only his tax returns, he hasn’t released documents around this. Today, he could release his minutes from Bain — from the Bain — or they could release the minutes from the Bain meetings and we could learn more.

What was being raised here is something that was raised externally, which is we don’t know. But if he did violate, if he did mislead the SEC, there could be — that could raise questions, there could be legal questions that are raised about that. We’re not the ones who can answer that. If he didn’t, then he was misleading the American people.

So what we don’t know is the answer to that question, and that’s why we’re eager to see more documents from Mitt Romney and his team.

Not exactly the strongest apology, but we’ll take it. After all, this fiasco has virtually immunized Romney against future pressure to release his tax returns, since the last time it was tried, this happened. We look forward to a campaign without any extra pieces of evidence the Obama campaign could use in their class warfare-motivated assault.

Comments (100)

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  • Jerseygalnny
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:42pm

    The campaign may walk it back, but Obama will never do so. He is too arrogant, too much a narcissist.

    Report Post » Jerseygalnny  
    • seeker9
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 7:52pm

      The idea was to plant the idea, doesn’t matter if false. The damage is done. Pathetic behaviour for a sitting president.

      Report Post » seeker9  
    • fastfacts
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 7:54pm

      NOW WE ARE SEEING THE TOUGHER ROMNEY… HE IS ATTACKING OBAMA OVER THESE LIES.

      Did you see Romney rip into Obama on TV for the world to see: http://www.thedailycandidate.com/video/2012/july/romney_obama_apology.html . Obama is being called to task, lets see how he squirms out of this one.

      Report Post »  
    • oneshiner
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 8:14pm

      His attitude and arrogance and refusal to be decent makes me really dislike who he is.

      Report Post »  
    • RetiredAmericanNavyTaxpayer
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 10:55pm

      Suggestion to Gov. Romney: Offer a quid pro quo to Mr. Obama. Tell him you’ll release more tax returns if he FIRST releases his education transcripts. Bet you a nickle his answer will be……..

      … crickets…

      Report Post » RetiredAmericanNavyTaxpayer  
    • Machtyn
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 6:14am

      And, in fact, he hasn’t. Obama is desecrating the name of his office by continually lying. It really is sick.

      November can’t get here too quickly. And I hope Romney has the ability to overturn all the Executive Orders issued this year alone. Too much has overstepped its bounds.

      Report Post »  
    • idarusskie
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:05am

      it does not matter if we are not talking about his record Obama wins.

      Report Post »  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 5:38pm

      This is a problem Romney created with thos own statement and paperwork.
      Why was he paid $100,000 for 3 years, by Bain if he no longer worked there in 2000, 2001, & 2002 as he claimed.
      Complicated by the fact on many Bain filing forms he signed his name during those years.

      Rather than attacking Obamas why aren’t you asking those questions?

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
  • RepubliCorp
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:41pm

    Condoleezza Rice would make a good attack dog for Romney. She can out think the press and Obama while polishing her nails. But I don’t think she wants the job.

    Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • WakingSheep
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:52pm

      The only reason they want her;
      A – she’s a she
      B – she’s black
      C – she’s a “conservative”

      Report Post »  
    • txdave22
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 7:21pm

      and Condi is pro choice, showing she’s smarter than 99% of pubs

      Report Post »  
    • justangry
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 7:21pm

      Hmmm Republicorp talking up someone involved with the death of 1.1 million dead civilians. You’re a swell guy. Are you sure your angry about those newsletters, or do you just want to kill everyone in the middle east?

      Report Post » justangry  
    • Nasado
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 12:46pm

      @justangry
      Duh, we should just kill them all. Hack saws, guns, gas, bomb will do it. Even better, a few nukes there and we will solve 60% of the worlds problems. Pluse, unlimited free glass! I see no downside to this. Save th US money not having to fight wars over there, can invest in America and create tons of jobs. Actually, better idea, create killing booths and place them aroud the world then offer free Korans inside of them.

      Report Post »  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 5:39pm

      She pro abortion in many instances.
      AND has already said not interested.

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
  • WakingSheep
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:28pm

    Flip flopper – definitely
    un-Constitutional – sure
    felon – negative

    Report Post »  
    • booger71
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:59pm

      They finally got smart Sheep, they remembered Barry admitted to selling cocaine, a felony by the way

      Report Post » booger71  
    • WakingSheep
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 7:05pm

      Didn’t Bush admit to the same?
      Don‘t get me wrong I hate Obama but I’m also not blinded by the party.
      I understand that nobody is right 100% of the time. The whole reason we have 50 states instead of 1.

      Report Post »  
    • booger71
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 10:10pm

      Didn’t Bush admit to the same?
      ==========
      No he took it, did not sell it, big difference.

      Report Post » booger71  
    • RoboZiggy
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 10:24pm

      Bush never admitted to doing Coke, what less dealing it!
      You Sir, are an idiot, AND a LIAR!
      Where do yose punks come from, WOW!!

      Report Post »  
  • WakingSheep
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:22pm

    Flip flopper – maybe.
    Felon – negative.

    Report Post »  
    • WakingSheep
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:29pm

      *correction*
      Flip flopper – definitely

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9njHHyRI7g

      Report Post »  
    • Teufel Hunden
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:35pm

      SHEEP….. you’re a one trick pony!

      Report Post » Teufel Hunden  
    • WakingSheep
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:38pm

      So your denying the flip flopping?…… really?…….

      Romney has even admitted to it! oh, except is was “evolving” not flip flopping.

      Report Post »  
    • WakingSheep
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:42pm

      @Teufel Hunden
      And you must be blinded by your devotion to the party.
      Never say anything against dear leader as long as he is a big “R” right?

      Report Post »  
    • txdave22
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 7:22pm

      AMA Policies on GLBT Issues

      General Policies:

      H-65.992 Continued Support of Human Rights and Freedom. Our AMA continues (1) to support the dignity of the individual, human rights and the sanctity of human life, and (2) to oppose any discrimination based on an individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, disability, ethnic origin, national origin or age and any other such reprehensible policies. (Sub. Res. 107, A-85; Modified by CLRPD Rep. 2, I-95; Reaffirmation A-00; Reaffirmation A-05; Modified: BOT Rep. 11, A-07)

      H-65.983 Nondiscrimination Policy. The AMA affirms that it has not been its policy now or in the past to discriminate with regard to sexual orientation or gender identity. (Res. 1, A-93; Reaffirmed: CCB Rep. 6, A-03; Modified: BOT Rep. 11, A-07)

      H-65.990 Civil Rights Restoration. The AMA reaffirms its long-standing policy that there is no basis for the denial to any human being of equal rights, privileges, and responsibilities commensurate with his or her individual capabilities and ethical character because of an individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or transgender status, race, religion, disability, ethnic origin, national origin, or age. (BOT Rep. LL, I-86; Amended by Sunset Report, I-96; Modified: Res. 410, A-03)

      Report Post »  
    • sndrman
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 9:37pm

      Just a thought whenever liberals post here, all they’re doing is to distract us, and run us in circles posting proof to de-bunk them. I think the best thing to do is simply say liberal go away and not answer any of his/her posts……we come here to post and exchange idea’s and info….so when liberals come here sent either from dnc,or obama’s truth(police) website….if we do this consistently the liberals hopefully will go away…..the more we feed into liberal posts the more they win and get us running in circles…trust me it upsets me with their lies and untruths etc… but I think this is our only recourse……

      Report Post »  
    • WakingSheep
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 9:44pm

      I have read the Communist Manifesto and Plato’s Republic.
      I’m about small government and the individual. I believe I should keep what I earn. I also believe if you are able; you should work.
      I’m not a liberal.

      Report Post »  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 11:14am

      @sndrman

      Like your comments and the visual….nail the “right” shoe to the floor…so we should just “un-lace“ and ”step-out-of-the-shoe”. Seems alot of my posts have been about shoes? Hmmm
      The one or two employees (Obama supporters) have “gone-rogue” in the eyes of this admin. This sorta-reminds me of the employee that went “rogue” in the movie Erin Breckenridge.
      p.s. Maybe just weird but I sure enjoy creative advertz….that young man (Verizon)….so eager & adorable….”under-the-mattress” and the boss with the question-mark in her voice..Paris? France?….yep….not Paris, Texas!!!…LOL…(at my age, I am easily amused)

      Report Post »  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 5:42pm

      Romney filed papers saying he worked at Bain when it was convenient
      and at the same time claimed he was a FULL TIME Olympics head in Utah.
      He couldn’t be both. One of those statements has to be a lie.
      The issues aren’t complicated.

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
  • fastgen1
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:18pm

    Obammy’s voters will vote for no matter what, so who is the obammy campaign tryhing to reach with this crap. As far as most on the right is concerned obammy is liar in the first degree. The man is a psychological wreck, his narcissism has taken him on a road that will be his legacy and history will not be kind. He has divided the races like never before and has set race relations back 50 years. I say let the liar continue to spread his fallacious BS because at some point he will never be able to walk them back.

    Report Post »  
  • zoro51
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:18pm

    its been foretold the MARXIST SOCIALIST COMMIE NON AMERICAN BORN MUSLUM WEAK LEADERSHIP PSUDEO DICTATOR evita obama will be THROWN OUT coME november HOW foolish to make FALSE CLAIMS ONLY A LEFTIST PLOT can make a FAKE act as a REAl when its exposed THEY LIKE OBAMAS GREEN JOBS….. 100% FAIL IMPEACH OBAMA NOW

    Report Post » zoro51  
    • Mobuy
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 7:13pm

      Do you buy your capitals at Costco?

      Report Post »  
  • marcus_arealius
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:16pm

    When is Holder going to indict Romney for the felony? Sounds like a serious charge, you know, lying to the SEC.. Just look at all the rats in prison from the Clinton-Gore Dotcom fraud era, lying to the SEC when filing false business plans and prospectives for investors.. You know, all 0 of them.

    Report Post »  
  • jmgair
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:15pm

    This tactic is effective because you cannot un-ring the bell once it has been struck, which is exactly what the Obama Chicago THUG campaign team knows and will continue to do until they lose this November. This is ALL they have in their bag of tricks and nobody is falling for this crap anymore.

    Report Post »  
  • mountainmover101
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:12pm

    Is anyone really surprized? I mean really. Democrats often use half-truths, and out right lying to further a talking point. They can always retract the “story”. They know, however, the statement is already out there.

    The Republicans only have to tell the truth about the fictional character otherwise known as the current President of the U.S.

    It does seems desperate, but it does works. The easing around some of the issues concerning Obama is troubling. McCain tried that and lost.

    Republicans are going to be called racist regardless of what they say. Who cares? Whites are 68% of the population. If Republicans can garner support in the Asian populations that number goes up to 73%. My only advice is to hold strictly to incontrovertible proof through hard cold facts, preferably hard copies of such information. It shouldn’t be that hard. Liberals are clever but not very intelligent. American universities are full of free market failures that “teach because they cannot do.” The other weapon which can be used against them is their own self-righteousness and elitism.

    Report Post »  
  • cloudsofwar
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:05pm

    the problem is a lot of foolish voters believe the lies. tell a lie often enough the fools believe it. Obama has the black voters, the welfare voters, the libs, the progressives, the socialist, the commies. Romney needs all the America loving voters, the religious, the 2nd amendment voters, the capitalist, the anti abortion voters, freedom loving Americans. i’m voting for Romney.

    Report Post »  
  • righthanddrive
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:03pm

    I guess Obama can now say ‘mission accomplished’ to the goal of discrediting the Governor.. The lie is out there now. Every two bit Dem will be talking about it in public places and 100% of those who overhear the conversation will only hear the words ‘Romney’ and ‘felon’ in the same sentence. My guess this is straight out Chm. Mao. Who will the Dems trust – Romney or the guy who set them free from welfare work rules with a stroke of a pen?

    Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:16pm

      The Zimmerman case should be pressed front and center by the Republicans . Classic example of Democrat Big Lie / Media manipulation . Then there is the video of Ayers at the Occupy saying he wants to get rid of capitalism. The OWS origins.

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:17pm

      Yes .. put out the lie .. let it get coverage ..and then drop it … damage done .. unless WE THE PEOPLE inform others regarding the lies … LIGHT IS THE BEST DISINFECTANT!

      OMG 2012!

      Report Post »  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 5:44pm

      This is a 100% Mittens created problem.
      Apparently he was in 2 different states, doing 2 different jobs, 100% of the time.
      Well GOOOOOOOOOOLLEEEEEEEEEEEE!

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
  • AvengerK
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:02pm

    It’s all tailored to make Romney release more tax returns.
    If I was Romney‘s surrogates I’d make Obama an offer..for every additional tax return Romney releases..Obama releases his college record.

    Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:12pm

      Yes. The public needs to be aware of this issue since the Democrats have hidden it in their birth certificate tirades. Bet many people are not even aware that the Obama people have refused to release his school records all of this time . Bet many people do not even know that he attended Occidental College under the name Barry Soetoro . Makes people wonder Why ?

      Report Post »  
  • Truthmonster
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:01pm

    Liberals are panicked they have blamed Bush for 12 years now even with a democrat house and senate for awile. A dem POTUS and their experiement has failed and the mean spirited dems are lying, sowing discord anything thing on to their wrarped and failed policies. Admit it liberals your detached from reality, seek theraphy and go to the back of the bus till we can get the country back on the road. You had your chance for hope and change, it sucked now do us all a favor and shut up.

    Report Post » Truthmonster  
  • packa14
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:01pm

    Obama the LIAR Obama the liar White House the magic ***** his magic is failing him! and oh yes Romney is not a commie!!!!

    Report Post » packa14  
  • barber2
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 5:56pm

    The Obama people run with a dangerously unhinged crowd. Hard to keep them all under the control of Mr. Teleprompter . ( couldn’t happen to a more deserving bunch – maybe they will turn upon themselves which so often happens with that type of crowd ! )

    Report Post »  
  • dublinthewagons
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 5:52pm

    Boycott advertisers that use these networks.

    Report Post »  
  • Simple-James
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 5:50pm

    Whats the charge for false defamation of character?

    Report Post » Simple-James  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:08pm

      Unfortunately, this tactic is like the Zimmerman case : you accuse someone and the Lap Dog Media runs with it for weeks. The damage gets done . Republicans had better clear the air, especially when one can prove that these smears are LIES. The Democrats need to be taken to the wood shed. They have gotten away with so many lies for so long that they feel bullet proof. The Democrats need to be exposed for what they are. But it will not be pretty. AND Obama keeps shoveling out those Executive Orders ( today he repealed the welfare reform that required people to have to actually work to be eligible for welfare. Can’t you see where this is going ? )

      Report Post »  
  • Its Gonna Getcha
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 5:50pm

    No, the word FELON was used on purpose to attract the very real claim that Barak Insane Obama has broken the law by repeatedly not upholding the Constitution. These are repeated actions, he obviously wants us to chase him.

    He’s not leaving without a BIG STINK.

    Report Post » Its Gonna Getcha  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:02pm

      Agree. And have heard that you will know what the Democrats are really doing by looking at what they are accusing others of doing !

      Report Post »  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 11:20am

      Remember the “do-over” with the swearing in? was not done with hand on The Bible.

      Report Post »  
  • wakewiseone
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 5:49pm

    the danggone liberal/progressives are running an A to Z campaign on romney. anything and everything goes.

    A………….adultery

    B………….business buster

    C………….champion of ourtsourcing

    etc, etc, etc……………

    doesnt make a bit of difference whether something is true or not……………just splatter it out there in media land………….and see what sticks. to do what???? draw any and all attention away from obammy’s sorry leadership, poor economic recovery stats, continued problems with the unemployment rate, etc.

    i dont know how romney fends off the krap being thrown at him. i do know that he really has to concentrate and focus on obammy’s total and complete failure………….ad nauseum to the publics that will be voting in november.

    that is the way romney will become our next president and begin to do the things that restore our country to its once achieved greatness.

    as for A to Z krap program from the progs………the he ll with it !!!

    Report Post »  
    • nattybrooks
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 5:57pm

      the scary part is these attacks are working i have spoken with several people over the last few days including my own brother who are buying into these blatant outrageous lies

      Report Post » nattybrooks  
    • WakingSheep
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:27pm

      It‘s amazing isn’t it?!

      The media has been ignoring Ron Paul since day one and continue to do so.
      That was after going over their top tier candidates over and over.
      Everybody made it to the media top tier except Paul and yet he is the only other candidate left in the race………hmmmm………………

      Report Post »  
  • cliffchism
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 5:49pm

    Desperate times call for desperate measures. They sure are looking desperate. I think desperation looks good on them.

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 5:48pm

    Desperation grows with Obama and his leftist cronies and allies; now the heat has hit him hard for the outright lies and fabrications, and a new tactic will be forged (literally) and fabricated to use against anyone opposing Obama.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:00pm

      So far they have specialized in hiding records, telling Big Lies, and the Character Assassination of their “ enemies ” ( they used to be called “political opponents” before the Obama Democrats came along ! ) Wonder what else Team Obama will try…..

      Report Post »  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 5:45pm

    This is all they got? These people have nothing to run on, but for sure they are runnin scared…..and ridin dirty……..

    Report Post »  
  • Goldi
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 5:42pm

    Oh, darn, well what can we come up with that we can get our brain dead followers to believe now?
    Did anyone hear the condescending woman on Hannity that insisted she knew better and that Romney was a vulture capitalist? Funny she said she’s married to a repulican, man I don’t know how he lives with that no nothing, learn nothing woman!

    Report Post »  
    • JUSTANOTHEROPINION
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:47pm

      Are you nieve enough to beleive that all Republicans are conservatives and there is no way a Republican can be a Progressive Socialist? Just another misconception. Vet your candidates and vet them well.

      Report Post »  
  • cristo52
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 5:40pm

    They also pulled back on that Spanish soap opera aided at beefing up the welfare voter base. Does anyone over there know what’s going on? Or has the White House simply empowered a bunch of 23-year-olds to do whatever they think is best for the campaign, and if it don’t work, don’t worry about it..

    Report Post »  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on July 13, 2012 at 5:37pm

    Desperation, thy name is obama.

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
    • stillbombshelterbob
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 6:01pm

      It’s almost beginning to look like the Obama Campaign is turning into a movie:“the Three Stooges meet Dumb and Dumber”. With Larry playing the press secretary (what’s his name?), curly playing Biden, mo playing Obama, and Jamie Fox playing Michelle! Dumb and Dumber will be played by Axelrod and Carvell just being themselves. The wildly zaney sidekicks will be Wassermann-Schultz and Dean-both off their meds for a little extra kick!

      Report Post »  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 11:33am

      I thought about M Malkin who is normally very intense when she is relaying her opinions on Hannity but when you mentioned movies, I thought about the line from the Lampoon Christmas…SQUIRREL!
      I laughed so hard, my sides hurt, when Michelle was talking awhile back and with her dainty finger she pointed about 3 times and exclaimed…SQUIRREL..SQUIRREL…SQUIRREL….(commenting about the way this admin. is being “creative-with-their-stories-from-here-&-there)…Great comic-relief from the madness of what we are going to see in the next 4 months!!! (admin.pointing to Romney..felon-felon-felon)
      And the stories go on.

      Report Post »  
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